The big idea: Let's Do This

More people than ever are signing up to sport events. Thanks to the growing popularity of Tough Mudder and Iron Man races, the global endurance race market is estimated to be worth $13bn. But while fitness aficionados often find it difficult to locate the best events for them, a new startup is here to help.

Launched in 2016, Let’s Do This is a platform listing everything from ultra-marathons to cycling events, enabling people to easily pick the challenge most suitable for their athleticism and wallets. Let’s Do This is the brainchild of CEO Sam Browne who came up with the idea after struggling to find fun races to run. He founded the company with another Cambridge graduate as well as the former head of technology at MoneySupermarket.com.

And the founders are not alone in recognising the need for the services as Let’s Do This recently came one step closer to reaching its goal of becoming the “Airbnb of endurance events” by raising an impressive £1.29m seed round. The round was backed by an accomplished group of heavy hitters from the world of sports and startups. For instance, the group of investors included Mike Miller, CEO of the World Olympians Association; Brian Schuring, founder of US venture capital fund Rubicon and founder of London workout startup Heartcore Fitness; Jonathan Goodwin, co-founder of founders Forum, head of Lepe Partners; and Paddy Dear, co-founder Polygon, the hedge fund.The startup aims to use to money to keep growing the number and widen the range of events on its platform, three-quarters of which currently consists of running.

Given the interest in endurance events and the hefty bag of money that’s found its way to their doors, it seems as if Let’s Do This has everything in place to go the distance.

About the Author

As feature writer and resident Viking, Johansson ensures EB is filled with engaging and eclectic entrepreneurial stories. While one of our most prolific tech writers, he has sharpened his editorial teeth by writing about entertainment and fitness.